There are many products that can potentially cause your house to smell, but not all of them are easy to identify. If your home smells like any of these things, it can be challenging to get rid of the smell. Sometimes, it may be necessary to call in a professional to help get rid of the smell. Take a look at this guide to learn some of the most common culprits of a lingering bad scent in your home and how to begin the odor elimination process for each cause.
Pets
Pets can be a big source of odor in a home. From their fur and dander to their waste and food, there are a lot of ways pets can make your house smell bad. One of the biggest offenders is pet waste. Not only is it unsightly, but it also smells terrible. If your pet spends most of its time inside, you’ll need to clean up its waste at least once a day.
Pets can also cause foul odor through their fur and dander. If you don’t regularly clean your pet’s fur, it can quickly become matted and covered in bacteria. This bacteria can cause unpleasant odors, skin irritation, and other health problems. Dander, made up of tiny bits of skin that pets shed, can also cause problems for people with allergies. You can also try using a pet odor eliminator, which can help eliminate bad smells quickly and easily with a pleasant aroma. Finally, groom your pet regularly, so their fur doesn’t become matted and covered in bacteria.
Smoking
Cigarette smoke can linger in a home for years and cause a strong, unpleasant odor. Smoke can also cling onto your clothes and upholstery. You may even notice that smoke can discolor walls and furniture and cause the paint to peel. In addition, the smoke can damage carpets and curtains. If you have children, cigarette smoke can also cause them to develop asthma or other respiratory problems. It’s most important to avoid smoking inside your home to prevent these drawbacks.
Cooking
Cooking food can produce some wonderful smells, but it can also produce some not-so-wonderful odors. Fish, in particular, can create a powerful smell. If you’re cooking fish, make sure to keep the windows open and the fan on so the smell doesn’t linger in your home. You might also want to consider cooking the fish or other smelly foods outdoors if the weather permits. Other foods that can produce strong smells include onions, garlic, and cabbage. If you don’t cook these foods often, you could just use wax melts or air fresheners to freshen up the space while you cook.
Trash
If you have ever dealt with a trash smell, you know how unpleasant it can be. Not only is the smell unpleasant, but it can also be a health hazard. Taking the necessary precautions to prevent your trash from producing a smell is crucial. One of the most important things you can do to prevent a trash smell is to ensure your trash is sealed correctly. If you have a lot of food waste, you should consider using a compost bin. If you don’t have a compost bin, you can put your food waste in a paper bag and tie it shut.
Another thing you can do to prevent a trash smell is to make sure that your trash can is clean. You should also make sure that the lid is on tight. If your trash can starts to smell, you can pour a cup of bleach in it and let it sit for a few hours. If you still have trouble with a trash smell, you may need to invest in a garbage disposal. A garbage disposal can help reduce the amount of food waste in your trash can.
Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew can cause a musty smell in a home. This smell can be unpleasant and can also be a sign of a more severe problem. If you notice a musty smell in your home, be sure to investigate the source and take corrective action. For example, dirty laundry can produce a lingering smell if it’s not properly washed and dried. Be sure to follow the laundering instructions on the garment’s care label and use the hottest water and highest dryer heat setting that are safe for the fabric. Not turning your bathroom fan on during hot showers can also produce a mildew smell, so be sure to use the fan often.
If your house smells bad, try to identify the source of the smell and take steps to address it. If the smell is coming from a particular source, like pets or smoking, you may need to take specific steps to get rid of the odor. If the smell is more general, you may need to take a broader approach, like cleaning your house more often or using a deodorizer.